Apple Patents iMac Touch!

Patently Apple has just published a new patent filing by Apple based on a hybrid device named as "Apple iMac Touch". It's an iMac with multitouch capabilities and it can transition from MAC OS X to iOS.

Apple's method of transitioning from OS X to iOS is clearly outlined for both the iMac and MacBook – and it's a grand slam home run. Imagine having an iMac on your desktop one minute and a gigantic iPad the next. Imagine playing iGames on this dream machine - Wow! Imagine reading a double-page book on this - Unbelievable! Apple takes the mystery out of how OS X could finally co-exist with iOS on a Mac and you've got to see this one to believe it.

So how this would work? Basically there will be two operational modes of iMac - Mac OS X and iOS. The modes will change according to screen orientation. If the screen is in traditional straight position, iMac will operate on Mac OS X and accept input from take mouse / keyboard. When iMac screen will be inclined as shown below, it will operate on iOS and touch screen capabilities will be activated, it'd just be a giant iPad.

Patent also describes that the sensors placed inside iMac hinges will decide iMac's operational mode i-e Mac OS X or iOS. There are no words in patent about what versions of OS would be used, most probably it'd be Mac OS X (10.7) for iMac and iOS 4 for iMac Touch.

Needless to say, it's a dazzling concept from Apple and it'd certainly bring a hole new user experience to Mac users. [via patentlyapple]